Gestala, a Chinese startup developing ultrasound-based brain–computer interface technology, has raised $21.6 million in early-stage funding just two months after its launch.
The round was co-led by Guosheng Capital and Dalton Venture, with participation from investors including Tsing Song Capital, Gobi Ventures, Fourier Intelligence, Liepin, and Seas Capital. According to the company, investor demand significantly exceeded the amount raised.
The funding values the company between $100 million and $200 million.
Expanding China’s Brain–Computer Interface Ecosystem
Gestala was founded by serial entrepreneur Phoenix Peng, who is also behind NeuroXess, a company focused on implantable brain–computer interface systems.
While NeuroXess develops surgically implanted neural devices, Gestala focuses on non-invasive brain interfaces based on ultrasound technology.
The company plans to use the new funding to accelerate research and development, expand its team from 15 to roughly 35 employees, and establish a manufacturing facility in China. Its first-generation prototype is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
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Exploring Ultrasound As A New Approach To BCI
The global brain–computer interface sector has recently seen growing interest in ultrasound-based technologies.
Unlike implanted electrode systems that require surgery, ultrasound-based interfaces aim to interact with neural activity without invasive procedures. This approach could reduce risks associated with brain surgery and potentially make BCI technology more accessible.
Ultrasound systems may also enable interaction with deeper brain regions, allowing researchers to both monitor and influence neural activity across a larger portion of the brain.
By using phased-array ultrasound technology, these systems can potentially stimulate or suppress neural signals with high precision.
Medical Applications In Development
Gestala is currently exploring several medical applications for its technology.
The company’s initial focus is chronic pain management, a condition affecting large populations globally. Research in the field suggests ultrasound-based neural stimulation may help reduce pain levels in some patients.
Beyond chronic pain, the company is also investigating potential applications for mental health and neurological conditions including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and stroke rehabilitation.
Longer-term research targets include neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Leveraging Manufacturing And Clinical Research Capacity
Gestala plans to use China’s manufacturing ecosystem to accelerate development and scale production of its technology.
The company is also working with hospitals in China to conduct clinical research and build datasets that could support future AI-driven analysis of brain signals.
As part of this effort, Gestala is developing what it calls an ultrasound brain data repository designed to support research into neural decoding and neurological diagnostics.
About Gestala
Gestala is a neurotechnology startup developing non-invasive brain–computer interfaces based on ultrasound technology. The company focuses on building systems that can monitor and influence neural activity without surgery, targeting applications in neurological research, medical treatment, and human–machine interaction.
